Chapter 8 - The Neighborhood Visit
Three days later, desperation drove Margaret to do the unthinkable.
She hired a cheap taxi and drove to the modest, working-class neighborhood where Claire’s half-sister, Lily, lived.
It was a small house with peeling paint and a tiny front yard.
Margaret stepped out of the cab, disgusted by the surroundings, but desperate for a lifeline.
She walked up to the front door and knocked heavily.
The door opened, and Claire stood there.
She was wearing simple jeans and a soft sweater, looking incredibly peaceful.
Behind her, Lily was sitting at the kitchen table, eating ice cream and doing homework.
Margaret immediately put on a fake, sorrowful face.
"Claire, my dear," Margaret began, trying to sound maternal.
"Please, you have to help us."
"The bank is foreclosing on the mansion tomorrow."
"Ethan hasn't eaten in two days."
Claire leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms.
"Why are you here, Margaret?"
"I am here to apologize," Margaret lied smoothly.
"I was blinded by stress."
"I see now that you are a powerful, intelligent woman."
"Please, just give us a small loan."
"Just enough to save the house."
Several neighbors, who had known Claire for years, began stepping out onto their porches, watching the scene.
Claire looked Margaret up and down.
"Do you remember what you told me on my wedding day, Margaret?" Claire asked loudly enough for the neighbors to hear.
Margaret swallowed hard, looking nervous.
"I... I don't recall."
"You told me that trash always returns to the gutter," Claire reminded her sharply.
"You told me I would never be good enough to scrub your floors."
Margaret flushed a deep, humiliating red.
"I was wrong," Margaret whimpered.
"No, Margaret," Claire smiled coldly.
"You were right about one thing."
"Trash does eventually find its proper place."
"But it isn't me."
Claire reached into her pocket and pulled out a single twenty-dollar bill.
She dropped it onto the porch at Margaret's feet.
"That’s for your taxi ride back to whatever motel you can afford tonight."
"Never come near my family again."
Claire stepped back and slammed the door shut, locking the deadbolt.
May you like
Margaret stood on the porch, humiliated, as the neighbors laughed and whispered at her expense.
She slowly bent down, picked up the twenty dollars, and walked back to the taxi in total defeat.
